Remotely activatable locator with voice/data relay

ABSTRACT

A method for use in locating a mobile locator device in a wireless communications network (WCN) includes establishing a three-way call involving the locator device, a caretaker, and an emergency services answering point upon initiation of an emergency services call from the locator device, and providing a location record for the locator device from a database to the answering point while conducting the three-way call. Therefore, in cases of an emergency location where a locator is attached to a disabled subject or object, the locator device allows for extended emergency services calling where a third party such as a care giver, guardian, or custodial organization may be involved in real-time with the automatically located call to provide verbal or textual information to responders.

CROSS REFERENCE

This patent application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 12/686,239, filed Jan. 12, 2010, entitled “RemotelyActivatable Locator System and Method Using a Wireless Location System,”currently pending, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 12/029,951, filed Feb. 12, 2008, entitled “RemotelyActivatable Locator System and Method,” currently pending, which claimsthe benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/889,426, filedFeb. 12, 2007. The contents of these applications are herebyincorporated by reference in their entireties.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to methods and apparatus forlocating wireless devices, also called mobile stations (MS), such asthose used in analog or digital cellular systems, personalcommunications systems (PCS), enhanced specialized mobile radios(ESMRs), and other types of wireless communications systems. Moreparticularly, but not exclusively, the present invention relates tomethods for obtaining a location estimate from a remotely activatedpersonal wireless device for delivery to a public safety organizationwhile simultaneously relaying the conversation between the caretaker andthe response agency.

BACKGROUND

Personal tracking devices have been found to be useful in locating lostobjects and, more importantly, missing persons. Such tracking devicestypically use a network of Global Positioning Satellites (GPS) in lowearth orbit that broadcast precise timing signals from on-board atomicclocks. Using triangulation formulas, a device that picks up signalsfrom several satellites simultaneously can determine its position inglobal coordinates, namely latitude and longitude. Thus, an objectand/or person carrying the GPS device may be located provided theappropriate equipment and trained personnel are available fordetermining the location of the GPS device. However, GPS signals, likeany other satellite signal, are prone to numerous interferencesincluding atmospheric disturbances, such as solar flares and naturallyoccurring geomagnetic storms. In addition, man-made interference canalso disrupt, or jam, GPS signals. Further, anything that can blocksunlight can block GPS signals. This raises the question of whether ornot GPS is reliable in locating a missing and wandering person who maybe in, or next to, a building, under a tree, in the brush, under abridge, in an urban environment, in a vehicle or even a person who hasfallen down and has their GPS unit covered by their own body.

Other known tracking devices use radio signal emitting transmitters.However, these types of tracking devices require an expensive receiverdevice in the area to receive and track the emitted radio signal. Thus,without the appropriate receiving device in the area and/or trainedpersonnel capable of operating the receivers, these tracking deviceswould be useless for locating lost objects and/or missing persons.

Overview of Emergency Call Location

In a series of orders (including FCC Orders 96-264, 99-96, and 99-245),under docket 94-102, the United States Federal Communications Commission(FCC) mandated that wireless (Cellular, Personal Communications Systems(PCS), Specialized Mobile Radio (SMR)) carriers support emergencyservices calling for wireless phone users. The FCC's Enhanced 9-1-1Phase II, emergency services for wireless users with automatic highaccuracy location, was scheduled for implementation in October 2001.

The European Union and member nations followed suit in implementing auniversal short-code emergency services number (1-1-2) with“best-effort” location in 2003 and the telematics-focused “eCall”initiative. eCall is expected to be implemented co-incident with theoperational status of the “Galileo” Global Navigation Satellite System(GNSS). Galileo is to be similar in function to the United StatesNavStar Global Positioning System (GPS).

Standardization of Emergency Call Location

To allow for delivery of caller location to the emergency responders (inthe United States, a public safety answering point (PSAP) commonlyhandles dispatching Fire, Police, or Ambulance first responders based on9-1-1 emergency calls) across multi-vendor networks, standardizationefforts were undertaken prior to deployment. A joint EuropeanTelecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI) and American NationalStandards Institute (ANSI) project, facilitated by theTelecommunications Industry Alliance (TIA) and industry representatives,was conceived to handle standardization for the North American market.

The methods and means for position reporting to emergency servicessystems, as mandated by the FCC in the E911 Phase II mandate, wasaddressed for North American wireless carriers in Joint ETSI/ANSIStandard 36 (J-STD-036). The J-STD-036 standard provides basicdefinitions, formats and constraints, and defines the messaging requiredto transfer identity information, call control information andlocation-reporting about wireless emergency services callers betweenwireless and wired network servers enabling coordination between publicsafety agencies, wireless carriers, equipment manufacturers, and localwireline carriers.

A wireless location system determines geographic position and, in somecases, the speed and direction of travel of wireless devices. Wirelesslocation systems use uplink (device-to-network) signals, downlink(network-to-device) signals, or non-communications network signals(fixed beacons, terrestrial broadcasts, and/or satellite broadcasts).Network-based location solutions use specialized receivers and/orpassive monitors within, or overlaid on, the wireless communicationsnetwork to collect signaling used to determine location. Network-basedtechniques include uplink Time-Difference-of-Arrival (TDOA),Angle-Of-Arrival (AOA), Multipath Analysis (RF fingerprinting), andsignal strength measurement (SSM).

Mobile-based location solutions use the mobile receivers or ancillaryreceivers in the mobile device to collect signaling from the wirelessnetwork, satellite broadcasts or terrestrial broadcasts. Mobile-basedtechniques may use assistance data (for instance broadcast information)but calculate the position estimate locally. Mobile-based locationsolutions may be WCN independent (where WCN refers to the wirelesscommunications network).

Mobile-assisted location solutions employ the mobile receiver orancillary receivers in the mobile device to collect signaling from thewireless network, satellite broadcasts or terrestrial broadcasts.Mobile-assisted location takes advantage of assistance data deliveredover the wireless network and delivers collected signal data to alandside server for final position estimation.

Mobile-based or Mobile-assisted (e.g. Device-based) location techniquesinclude CID (serving Cell-ID), CID-RTF (serving cell-ID plus radiotime-of-flight time-based ranging), CIDTA (serving cell-ID plustime-based ranging), Enhanced Cell-ID (ECID, a serving cell, time-basedranging and power difference of arrival hybrid),Advanced-Forward-Link-Trilateration (AFLT), Enhanced Observed TimeDifference (E-OTD), Observed-Time-Difference-of-Arrival (OTDOA) andGlobal Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) positioning. An example of aGNSS system is the United States NavStar Global Positioning System(GPS).

Hybrids of the network-based and mobile device-based techniques can beused to generate improved quality of services including improved speed,accuracy, yield, and uniformity of location. Hybrids also provide afall-back location capability in case of location failure.

Subscriber Identity Module (SIM)

A dual SIM mobile phone is one which holds two SIM cards in order forthe subscriber to maintain two subscriptions with two different networkoperators with one mobile device. Originally, dual SIM phones switchedbetween the active and standby SIMS and between WCNs allowing a splitbetween paging and origination to optimize coverage and cost. Suchstandby dual SIM phones typically had a single wireless transceivermodule. Newer, active dual SIM phones hold two SIM cards and twowireless transceiver modules and allow for concurrent registration andoperation in two wireless communications networks. The term “SIM” isused herein in place of the Global System for Mobility (GSM) SubscriberIdentity Module (SIM), the 3^(rd) Generation Partnership Program (3GPP)Universal Subscriber identity module (U-SIM), The 3^(rd) GenerationPartnership Program 2 (3GPP2) CDMA Subscriber Identify Module (CSIM) orRemovable User Identity Module (R-UIM) and the 3GPP's 4G SubscriberIdentity Module (4GSIM).

The air interface protocols now used in the wireless industry includeAMPS, N-AMPS, TDMA, CDMA, TS-CDMA, OFDM, OFDMA, GSM, TACS, ESMR, GPRS,EDGE, UMTS, WCDMA, WiMAX, LTE and others. The term CDMA will be used torefer to the CDMA digital cellular (TIA/EIA TR-45.4 defined IS-95,IS-95A, IS-95B), Personal Communications Services (J-STD-008), and 3GPP2defined CDMA-2000 and UMB standards and air interfaces. The term UMTSwill be used to refer to the 3GPP specified Wideband-CDMA (W-CDMA) basedUniversal Mobile Telecommunications System, defining standards, andradio air interface. The term WiMAX is used to denote the IEEE defined802.16, “Broadband Wireless”; 802.20, “Mobile Broadband WirelessAccess”; and 802.22, “Wireless Regional Area Networks” technologies. Thepresent invention also applies to the 3GPP defined Long-Term-Evolution(LTE) and the 3GPP LTE-Advanced system among others.

SUMMARY

In cases of an emergency location where a locator is attached to a mutesubject or object, a locator with voice relay using a dual SIM, dualtransceiver module device allows for extended emergency services callingwhere a 3^(rd) party such as a caretaker, care giver, guardian, orcustodial organization may be involved in real-time with theautomatically located call to provide verbal or textual information toresponders.

For example, in a method embodiment of the present invention, uponinitiation of an emergency services call from a locator device, athree-way call involving the locator device, a caretaker associated withthe locator device, and an emergency services answering point isestablished. In addition, a location record for the locator device isprovided from a database to the answering point while conducting thethree-way call.

In another embodiment, a system in accordance with the present inventionincludes means responsive to the initiation of an emergency servicescall from the locator device for establishing a three-way call involvingthe locator device, a caretaker associated with the locator device, andan emergency services answering point, and means for providing alocation record for the locator device from a database to the answeringpoint while conducting the three-way call.

In yet another embodiment, a locator device in accordance with thepresent invention comprises first and second wireless transceivermodules, a first subscriber information module (SIM), and a controlprocessor. In this example embodiment, the locator device is configuredto operate in a WCN to establish a control communications path betweenthe locator device and a caretaker, and an emergency call path betweenthe locator device and an answering point, and the control processor isconfigured for performing signal modification functions including volumecontrol, echo cancellation, interception of DTMF control tones, andinsertion of pre-recorded messaging into the control communications pathor the emergency call path.

Other aspects of the invention are described below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing summary as well as the following detailed description isbetter understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings.For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there is shown in thedrawings exemplary constructions of the invention; however, theinvention is not limited to the specific methods and instrumentalitiesdisclosed. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is an illustration of the steps in an emergency services locationprocess.

FIG. 2 is an illustration of an example emergency services locationprocess with remote locator with relay activated locally.

FIG. 3 is an illustration of an example emergency services locationprocess with remote locator with relay activated remotely.

FIG. 4 is an illustration of the interactions between a caretaker,remote locator, wireless network, location network, and emergencyservices answering point.

FIG. 5 is an illustration of the interactions between the caretaker,remote locator, wireless network, satellite location network, andemergency services answering point.

FIG. 6 is a depiction of the major functional subsystems of the locatorwith relay device.

FIG. 7 is a depiction of the locator with relay device equipped forlocation using satellite signals or terrestrial broadcast networks.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

We will now describe illustrative embodiments of the present invention.First, we provide a detailed overview of the problem and then a moredetailed description of our solutions.

A. Rationale Model for Radio Relay

At the request of public safety organizations, the initiation ofconference calls (also known as a 3-way or multi-party calls) duringemergency services calls is prohibited (e.g. 3GPP TS 22.173 “IPMultimedia Core Network Subsystem (IMS) Multimedia Telephony Service andsupplementary services; Stage 1” (section 8.2.13) which is required forall GERAN, UTRAN and E-UTRAN-based wireless communications systems).Since current classes of mobile devices are conference call enabled atthe switch (as to preserve valuable radio bandwidth and reduce the costof the mobile device), there currently is no way around the prohibition.However, in certain custodial cases (e.g. impaired individuals,inanimate objects) the use of conference calling, allowinginterconnection of a caretaker to the answering point, would be a greatvalue.

Herein is described a system and method for the use of new type ofmobile devices equipped with multiple wireless transceiver modules.These multiple transceiver modules allows the use of the mobile deviceas a relay with a first (control) leg of the conversational path (mobiledevice to caretaker) to be connected to the emergency services callcenter (e.g. the Public Safety answering point (PSAP)) via a second(emergency) radio leg. The term “call leg” includes the wirelessconnection and wired connection between the mobile locator device andthe end-party, either the caretaker or emergency services answeringpoint. A “call” may be either a switched-circuit or packet dataconnection. “Calls” to the emergency services answering point will bevoice calls while “calls” to the caretaker may be voice, short messageservice, or data sessions.

Enhanced Wireless Emergency Services Calling

A model for current, mobile-phone based, emergency services locationprocess is shown in FIG. 1. The FIG. 1 model uses non-call associated(N-CAS) signaling where the location estimate is performed during thecall and the location is calculated and stored until requested. Thealternative scenario, call-associated signaling (CAS), would holddelivery of the call until the location estimate is available and can bethus delivered simultaneously with the call connection. The presentinvention functions in either CAS or N-CAS scenarios.

In the current illustrative emergency services scenario, the callerdials emergency services 101 (typically a short code (e.g. 9-1-1, 1-1-2,9-9-9) or in some cases a single button that dials the code. Thewireless communications network (WCN) identifies the call as emergencyservices call and then routes the call with identifying information tothe default or geographically closest answering point 102. Meanwhile theWCN initiates location for the mobile device 103. The wireless locationsystem (WLS) computes the location using mobile, network or hybrid means104. The WLS forwards the location to the WCN, which then stores thelocation and identifiers in the Automatic Location Index (ALI) database105. At some time during the call, the answering point requests locationfrom the ALI database using the mobile or subscriber identifier 106. TheALI database responds to the location request with the location estimatefor the mobile device, possibly with a confidence/error value, speed,and direction of travel 107.

Remotely Activatable Locator with Relay

Using the remote locator for the elderly, under-aged, the infirm, or forproperty recovery services also involves multiple agencies and actors.Three-way calling is employed so that the locator device can be locatedusing the location-enabled emergency services enabled WCN via a firstwireless connection. A second wireless connection is used so that thecaretaker, care-giver, legal guardian, call center, or custodian can beincluded in the conversation with the answering point. The locator mayor may not have a speaker and microphone to include the located personin the call.

Three-way calling may also be employed for cargo and/or asset recovery.The answering points (the local PSAPs) will not allow pre-recordedmessages to come in on the emergency services (E911, E112, etc) systemfor these types of property crimes. Therefore, to locate asset(s) and/orapprehend suspects, it may be necessary to have three-way callcapability for the caretaker to actually communicate with the answeringpoint. Since the emergency services enabled WCN supports location ofemergency services calls, automatic location of the locator relay deviceis therefore enabled for the device-to-answering point wirelessconnection. FIG. 2 depicts a model procedure for the 3-way call withlocation involving the 3^(rd) party caretaker (guardian or recoveryservices) and the public safety answering point.

FIG. 2—Local Activation of Remote Locator Relay

FIG. 2 shows the basic procedure for the local activation, callinitiation, automatic location, and interconnection of the caretaker andthe answering point via the relay locator. Local activation allows themobile device to generate two wireless connections (eithersimultaneously or sequentially) via the dual wireless transceivermodules. Local activation can in response to a push button, timer,geo-fence crossing, or external triggering(s) such as medical telemetry,environmental sensors, or intrusion alarming.

Whatever the reason for the local activation, an emergency services callwould be locally initiated 201 either simultaneously or sequentiallywith a call to the caretaker. Preferably, the first call to thecaretaker would be placed prior or concurrently with the second call tothe emergency services answering point. In either case, The WCNidentifies one call as an emergency services call and then routes thecall with identifying information to the default or geographicallyclosest answering point 202. The locator acts as a relay between thecall to the caretaker and the call to the answering point 203 whilemaintaining two radio connections with one or more WCN. Meanwhile, theWCN initiates location for the mobile device 204 based on the emergencycall. The wireless location system (WLS) computes the location usingmobile, network or hybrid means 205. The WLS forwards the location tothe WCN, which then stores the location and identifiers in the ALIdatabase 206. At some time during the call, the answering point requestslocation from the ALI database using the mobile or subscriber identifier207. The ALI database responds to the location request with the locationestimate for the mobile device, possibly with a confidence/error value,speed, and direction of travel 208.

FIG. 3—Remote Activation

FIG. 3 shows the basic procedure for the remote activation, callinitiation, automatic location, and interconnection of the caretaker andthe answering point via the relay locator. Using in-band signalingremote activation allows the caretaker to connect with the mobile devicevia one wireless connection and then initiate a second wirelessconnection via the mobile device. Using out-of-band initiation, forinstance when using an Short Message Service (SMS) as a trigger, themobile device can then generate two wireless connections (eithersimultaneously or sequentially) via the dual wireless transceivermodules.

As depicted in FIG. 3, a call would be placed from the caretaker to thedevice, or the device would call the caretaker based on reception of anactivation SMS. If the relay locator is activated by an SMS, the locatorwill preferably initiate the control leg (device to caretaker) legfirst. In either case, an emergency services call and potentially thecontrol call, would be remotely initiated 301. The WCN identifies thecall as an emergency services call and then routes the call withidentifying information to the default or geographically closestanswering point 302. The locator acts as a relay between the call to thecaretaker and the call to the answering point 303, maintaining the tworadio paths and interconnecting the two conversation paths. Meanwhile,the WCN initiates location for the mobile device 304. The wirelesslocation system (WLS) computes the location using mobile, network orhybrid means 305. The WLS forwards the location to the WCN, which thenstores the location and identifiers in the ALI database 206. At sometime during the call, the answering point requests location from the ALIdatabase using the mobile or subscriber identifier 307. The ALI databaseresponds to the location request with the location estimate for themobile device, possibly with a confidence/error value, speed, anddirection of travel 308.

Both the remote and local activation scenarios, additional parties maybe conferenced into the emergency call at either end of the relayed callpath. For instance, the caretaker may call family or neighbors or thePSAP may include multiple first responders into the call.

B. Network Model for Radio Relay

FIG. 4—Remote Locator with Relay with Network-Based Location

FIG. 4 depicts an illustrative example of the locator relay operating ina Wireless Communications Network (WCN). In this example, adual-transceiver module locator 401 is in duplex radio communicationwith the Radio Access Network (RAN) represented here by the basetransceiver station (BTS) towers 402 403. FIG. 4 shows both the controlcommunications path 418 between the locator 401 and the caretaker 406and the emergency call path 417 between the locator 401 and theanswering point 407. The dual-transceiver module locator 301 initiatesand maintains the two radio connections, the first 404 for the controlpath 418 and the second 405 for the emergency path 417. The CentralOffice (also known as the Core Network (CN)) 410 handles the dialeddigit analysis and call interconnection for each communications path 418417. Interconnection between the control 418 and emergency 417communication paths is accomplished within the locator 401. For purposesof simplicity, the example in FIG. 4 shows both call legs 417 418 in thesame WCN although similar functionality is expected if the call legswere handled by different WCN.

The caretaker 406, whether a spouse, nurse, nursing home, or callcenter, is responsible for the activation of both the controlcommunications path 418 and emergency communications path 418.Interconnected to the core network 410 via a landline network 409, thecaretaker can access the remote locator by simply calling the phonenumber associated with the locator 401 via the registered SIM. The CN410, as part of the normal mobility function provided by a WCN, willpass the control call to the radio access network (represented here bythe cell towers 402 403 and the associated BTS spans and trunks 412 413)for delivery to the remote locator 301 via a first radio connection 404.

The remote locator 401 has a secure activation capability to preventinadvertent or malicious activation. One method for secure remoteactivation uses Short Message Service (SMS) for activation. SMS providesthe means to send an activation message payload from an identifiablesource. The SMS messages are only processed by the locator if from atrusted source. The activation message contents may be encrypted toprovide further security. The Locator 401 does not respond to invalidmessages to prevent a possible intruder's detection of a valid mobileidentifier (e.g. the Mobile Subscriber Integrated Services DigitalNetwork (ISDN) Number [MS-ISDN]). Preferably, each activation messageshould be in a particular format or the message will be deemed invalid.Attempted activation via invalid messages can be reported to thecaretaker. Use of SMS for remote activation is also beneficial as thestore and forward capabilities of the SMS work well with locators thatmay not be in cell coverage when initially contacted since the wirelesscommunications system will repeatedly page the locator.

Another method for secure remote activation uses a challenge-responsemethod based on the exchange of in-band signals (tones) with thecaretaker 406. If supported by the WCN, the locator will be registeredas of the very long slotted paging class of mobile devices, increasingbattery life.

Once activated, the remote locator 401 will establish a second radioconnection 405 for the emergency call, which is then carried via the RAN403 and CN 410 and associated trunks 413 408 to the answering point 407.Since an emergency call was placed, the WCN will automatically determinethe location of the remote locator 401 via the wireless location system411. In the example non-call-associated scenario, the location isdeposited via data link 415 into the ALI database 414. The answeringpoint 407 may at any time query the ALI database 414 via its own datalink 416 to obtain the location or request a new location be performed.

FIG. 5—Remote Locator with Relay with Device or Hybrid-Based Location

FIG. 5 depicts the use of a mobile-based or mobile-assisted equippedremote locator in a wireless communication system. A hybrid locationapproach, combining network-based and device-based location techniqueswill utilize the same approach.

FIG. 5 shows both the first, control communications path 519 between thelocator 501 and the caretaker 506 and the second, emergency call path520 between the locator 501 and the answering point 507. In FIG. 5 thecaretaker 506 still activates the remote locator 501 via the WCN (shownhere as the central office 510, base stations 502 503, the first radiopath 504, the second radio path 505, and associated voice or data links508 509 512 513). Once activated, the locator establishes the first,control path 519 and begins to collect satellite broadcast signals 518from the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) 517. This collectionmay be aided by information and timing from the WCN assistance server511. While the satellite signals are being collected, the WCNinterconnects the locator 501 to the answering point 507 via a voicetrunk 508. Since the caretaker is already online to the locator 501, theanswering point and caretaker are then interconnected via the locatordevice 501 relay.

Once sufficient satellite signals 518 have been collected to form alocation (either computed locally within the locator 501 or passed tothe assistance server 511 for processing potentially with the additionof network-based measurement for a hybrid location), the CN 510 deliversthe location record to the ALI database 514 via data link. The answeringpoint 507 may then request that location using its own data connection516.

C. Reference Design for—based Locator with Relay

In FIG. 6, a block diagram of an illustrative embodiment of a locatorwith relay 601 is shown. This diagram depicts major functionalsubsystems of the locator with relay 601. This design assumes adual-frequency band (e.g., 850 MHz (Cellular Band) and 1900 MHz (PCSBand)) design to limit self-interference. The locator 601 shown in thisexample thus has two antenna 609 610 and two wireless modules 602 603.This design shows two subscriber information modules (SIMs) 604 605. Thesecond SIM 605 is optional in some cases.

The baseband digital signal between the wireless modules A 602 andwireless modules B 603 is shown here routed either via data bus 611 612to the control processor 606 for signal modification such as volumecontrol, echo cancellation, interception of DTMF control tones from thecaretaker or answering point and insertion of pre-recorded messaginginto the control or emergency voice path or by the direct connection617.

The control processor subsystem 606 handles onboard managementfunctions, memory management, and runs local (to the locator)applications such as geofencing, sensor monitoring, power rationing, anddata logging. The control processor subsystem 606 can include generalprocessing facilities, digital signal processing (DSP), random accessmemory and non-volatile digital memory. In practice, the wirelessmodules 602 603 may be combined with the processor 606 into a singleintegrated circuit or implemented using a software defined radio tocreate a pair of virtual transceivers. The power subsystem 607 includesa battery for mobile operation, interconnection for an external powersource, and power management circuitry to inform the processor 606 overa data connection 616 of power status.

The locator design in FIG. 6 also shows the optional user interfacesubsystem 608. The user interface may include audio equipment, visualindicators, and interfaces to internal or external sensors such astemperature, pressure, illumination and g-force shock.

The locator design in FIG. 6 may be used for high-accuracy network-basedlocation and can also be used for low accuracy mobile-based location assupported by the wireless communications network or by off-line,user-plane, data services using 3^(rd) party cell location databases.Low accuracy location techniques include cell-id, cell-id with ranging,power-based enhanced cell ID (ECID), Advanced Forward-link Trilateration(AFLT), Enhanced Forward-link Trilateration (EFLT) and ObservedTime-Difference-of-Arrival (OTDOA). Such low accuracy locationtechniques may be used on the control path or emergency path. Broadcastdownlink signaling-based wireless location can be used to supportgeo-fencing or other location needs of the caretaker without involvementof the wireless emergency location network.

D. Reference Design for Mobile-Based/Assisted Locator with Relay

In FIG. 7, a block diagram of the major functional subsystems of alocator with mobile-based or mobile-assisted location capabilitiesrequiring a specialized antenna is depicted. The remote locator 701 inthis design supports multiple or multi-band antennae 703 704, whichlessen interference between the control and emergency radio paths andradio frequency circuitry. A third antenna 705 is shown for reception ofbroadcast signals from a satellite constellation (such as the NavStarGlobal Positioning System (GPS) or terrestrial broadcast network (eitherpurpose built such as the LORAN network or incidental such as theHigh-Definition television (HDTV) broadcast stations). The navigationantenna 705 is connected to the mobile-based or mobile assisted locationsubsystem 708 via an antenna feed (or data bus) 707 dependent on theoutput of the navigation antenna 705.

The other functional subsystems 702 of the locator 701 may be as shownin FIG. 6. The location subsystem 708 is generally connected to thecontrol processor system 608 (FIG. 6) via data bus 709 if not actuallyincorporated into the control processor. With this arrangement, thecontrol path and emergency path both have access to the mobile-based ormobile-assisted high-accuracy location and either wireless transceivermodules 602 603 (FIG. 6) can be used to convey assistance information tothe location subsystem 708.

E. Interaction with Other Location-Based Services

The locator relay device also permits formation of new location-basedservices. For instance, a geofence system can be arranged based on thebroadcast network information (see, for example, U.S. application Ser.No. 11/198,996, filed Aug. 8, 2005, entitled “Geo-fencing in a WirelessLocation System”) and then report the alarm condition back over thecontrol path allowing the decision to initiate the emergency servicescall by the custodian before activation of the emergency servicelocation. For mobile-determined location (for examples of mobile-basedlocator techniques and a geofencing application, see U.S. applicationSer. No. 11/323,265, “Device and Network Enabled Geo-Fencing for AreaSensitive Gaming Enablement”). In the case of mobile-based ormobile-assisted location technology, the locator relay couldperiodically, or on a triggering event, report current location backover the control path allowing the decision to initiate the emergencyservices call by the custodian before activation of the emergencyservice location.

For hybrid location systems, the network-based and mobile-based/assistedlocation technologies can both be used. In one example, the networkbroadcasts are used for alarming the custodian over the control path.The custodian then orders a mobile-based/assisted location to confirmthat the subject is outside the geofenced area, preventing false alarms.The custodian could then activate the emergency services call.

In any case, regardless of the location technology used, the custodianwould be placed in contact with the answering point while the locatordevice position would be found automatically using the locationinfrastructure deployed for wireless emergency services.

E. Alternative Embodiments

Single SIM, Dual Transceiver Modules

Unlike the active dual SIM phones, a second SIM is unnecessary under theFCC's ‘shall carry’ and E911 mandates. A locator relay with one SIM andtwo transceiver modules can therefore be used. The registered SIM allowsfor maintenance and remote activation of the locator while the SIM-less,unregistered transceiver can be used to place an emergency servicescall. In accordance with J-STD-036, a Pseudo-ANI will be allocated forthe unregistered transceiver module, allowing for a unique ID andcallback at significant cost savings over maintaining two separateregistrations for the locator device.

Data Connections

In future embodiments, the remotely activatable mobile locator devicecould include multiple data connections for multiple voice paths, video,or telemetry data. Use of non-cellular (WiFi, WiMAX, UWB, etc.)communications for either radio path has been considered and can beused, dependent on the location capabilities of the communicationssystem or locator device, for either the control or emergency leg of therelayed voice/data path.

Single Antenna

In future embodiments, remotely activatable locator device could includea single multi-band antenna and could either split the received signalto use a duplexer dependent on the isolation required by the wirelessmodules. This approach can be used with the single software definedwireless transceiver module to minimize remote locator with relay sizeor form factor.

F. Conclusion

The true scope the present invention is not limited to the illustrativeor presently preferred embodiments described herein. For example, theillustrative details described above, e.g., in respect to the locatorwith relay device of FIG. 6 or the locator with relay device equippedfor location using satellite signals or terrestrial broadcast networksof FIG. 7, may be altered without departing from the scope of protectiondefined by the claims set forth below. In many cases, the place ofimplementation (i.e., the functional element) described herein is merelya designer's preference and not a hard requirement.

1. A method for use in locating a mobile locator device in a wirelesscommunications network (WCN), wherein the locator device comprises firstand second wireless transceiver modules configured for communicationwith the WCN, a first subscriber information module (SIM), and a controlprocessor, wherein the locator device is configured to establish acontrol communications path between the locator device and a caretakerassociated with the locator device, and to establish an emergency callpath between the locator device and an emergency services answeringpoint, comprising: upon initiation of an emergency services call fromthe locator device, establishing a three-way call involving the locatordevice, the caretaker associated with the locator device, and theemergency services answering point, wherein the three-way call isconducted via the locator device using the first and second wirelesstransceiver modules; and providing a location record for the locatordevice from a database to the emergency services answering point whileconducting the three-way call, wherein the locator device and WCN areconfigured to establish a control communications path between thelocator device and the caretaker, and an emergency call path between thelocator device and the answering point, wherein the locator deviceinitiates and maintains two radio connections including a first radioconnection for the control path and a second radio connection for theemergency path.
 2. A method as recited in claim 1, further comprisingemploying a wireless location system (WLS) to locate the locator device,wherein the location record is provided by the WLS to the WCN forstorage in the database.
 3. A method as recited in claim 1, furthercomprising routing the emergency services call with identifyinginformation to the answering point.
 4. A method as recited in claim 1,wherein the emergency services call is initiated by the locator devicebased on a triggering event.
 5. A method as recited in claim 1, whereinthe emergency services call is initiated from the caretaker associatedwith the locator device.
 6. A method as recited in claim 1, wherein thelocator device and WCN are configured to establish a controlcommunications path between the locator device and the caretaker, and anemergency call path between the locator device and the answering point,wherein the locator device initiates and maintains two radio connectionsincluding a first radio connection for the control path and a secondradio connection for the emergency path.
 7. A method as recited in claim6, wherein a central office or core network of the WCN performs dialeddigit analysis and call interconnection for the control communicationspath and the emergency call path, and wherein interconnection betweenthe control and emergency paths is accomplished within the locatordevice.
 8. A method as recited in claim 7, wherein the controlcommunications path and the emergency call path are activated by thecaretaker by calling a phone number associated with the locator device.9. A method as recited in claim 1, wherein the locator device isconfigured for secure remote activation using a Short Message Service(SMS) of the WCN.
 10. A method as recited in claim 9, wherein thelocator device is further configured to receive via the SMS anactivation message payload from a source, and to respond to messagesfrom the source only if the locator device determines that the source isa trusted source.
 11. A method as recited in claim 1, wherein thelocator device is configured for secure remote activation using achallenge-response method based on exchange of in-band signals with thecaretaker.
 12. A method as recited in claim 1, wherein the locatordevice is configured to collect satellite broadcast signals from aglobal navigation satellite system (GNSS) with the aid of informationfrom an assistance server, and wherein, once sufficient satellitesignals have been collected to compute a location, the WCN delivers alocation record to the database via a data link.
 13. A method as recitedin claim 1, wherein the control processor is configured for performingsignal modification functions including volume control, echocancellation, interception of DTMF control tones, and insertion ofpre-recorded messaging into the control communications path or theemergency call path.
 14. A method as recited in claim 13, wherein thecontrol processor is further configured to perform memory managementfunctions and to run local applications including geofencing, sensormonitoring, power rationing, and data logging.
 15. A method as recitedin claim 13, wherein the locator device comprises mobile-based ormobile-assisted location capabilities, and multiple antennae, includingan antenna for reception of broadcast signals from a satelliteconstellation or terrestrial broadcast network.
 16. A method as recitedin claim 13, wherein the SIM is registered and operatively coupled tothe first wireless transceiver module, wherein maintenance and remoteactivation of the locator device are performed via the first wirelesstransceiver module; and wherein the second wireless transceiver moduleis SIM-less and unregistered, and is useful to place an emergencyservices call.
 17. A locator device, comprising: first and secondwireless transceiver modules configured for communication with awireless communications network (WCN); a first subscriber informationmodule (SIM); and a control processor operatively coupled to the firstand second wireless transceiver modules and the first SIM; wherein theSIM is registered and operatively coupled to the first wirelesstransceiver module, wherein the locator device is configured to permitmaintenance and remote activation of the locator device to be performedvia the first wireless transceiver module; and wherein the secondwireless transceiver module is SIM-less and unregistered, and configuredto place an emergency services call; wherein the locator device isconfigured to operate in a wireless communications network (WCN) toestablish a control communications path between the locator device and acaretaker, and an emergency call path between the locator device and ananswering point; and wherein the control processor is configured forperforming signal modification functions including volume control, echocancellation, interception of DTMF control tones, and insertion ofpre-recorded messaging into the control communications path or theemergency call path.
 18. A locator device as recited in claim 17,further comprising means for receiving broadcast signals from asatellite constellation.
 19. A locator device as recited in claim 17,further comprising means for receiving broadcast signals from aterrestrial broadcast network.